Smoking cessation device and method

ABSTRACT

A smoking cessation device that utilizes a structured, flexible tube similar in size and shape to a standard cigarette. The tube is impregnated with flavored oils for the enjoyment of the user. The method of producing the smoking cessation device is performed by mixing the flavored oil with a high-proof alcohol and spraying the mixture onto the tube. After the alcohol evaporates, the tube retains the flavored oils, providing a pleasant taste to the user. A user can use the smoking cessation device by biting and or chewing on the end of it to restrict air flow making it feel similar to a cigarette.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/989,063 filed Mar. 13, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smoking cessation devices and methods of production and use.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to smoking cessation devices. Currently, many of the smoking cessation products on the market are produced to help a person fight nicotine addiction. Many of these products utilize some amount of nicotine, typically in incrementally smaller amounts as the user is weaned off nicotine. While there are a few smoking cessation products that do not utilize nicotine, they are also not used to combat the oral fixation addiction that most smokers develop.

Some smokers find the oral fixation addiction harder to break than the nicotine addiction because nicotine generally leaves a person's body within one to four days after their last use while the oral fixation addiction can last much longer. Many current techniques for dealing with oral fixation include utilizing foods like sugarless candy, sunflower seeds, and pretzel sticks to avoid smoking cigarettes. However, this can lead people to experience weight gain while quitting smoking. Other options provided are chewing on items such as toothpicks and swizzle sticks. These are also not ideal as they develop sharp edges when the user chews on them and can lead to the user cutting their gums and tongue on the sharp edges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a smoking cessation device that is flavored, will not develop sharp edges, and has the same feel as a cigarette. By utilizing a rigid, tubular device similar in shape and size to a cigarette, the user will not feel as though they are missing out by not smoking. Further, the smoking cessation device is impregnated with a flavor of the user's choice which allows them to enjoy the experience of the smoking cessation device more than a non-flavored toothpick or swizzle stick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an aerial view of the smoking cessation device.

FIG. 2 shows an aerial view of multiple smoking cessation devices within a package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a smoking cessation device 101 made of a rigid, tubular device similar in shape and size to a cigarette that is impregnated with a flavor of the user's choice as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The flavoring impregnation is done through diluting flavored oils with an alcohol base, spraying it onto the device 101, and allowing the alcohol to evaporate out so that the product retains the flavor. The smoking cessation device 101 is then packed in a container 102 a similar manner as cigarettes as seen in FIG. 2. Alternate packaging that seals the product 101 and prevents the flavoring from evaporation may also be used.

The size and shape of the smoking cessation device 101 is equivalent to a cigarette. The material itself is a completely biodegradable semi-cardboard white hard paper that is sufficiently rigid to hold its shape and yet soft enough that the user can chew on it or roll it around in their mouth without it dissolving. While the present invention has been shown using a white tubular device 101, the product can be made in any color and design, or diameter.

The oils that are used are similar to the oils that are used in cooking. The oils are flavors that include spearmint oil, oil of cinnamon, peppermint oil, and various fruity flavors. The oils are emulsified in a high-proof ethyl alcohol solution, that rapidly evaporates. The oil and alcohol mixture is put into a sprayer and then sprayed onto the surface of the cardboard tubes in such a manner that the tubes absorb the flavor and the alcohol content evaporates out within a matter of seconds. A generic spray bottle may be used for creating small batches. Larger commercial spraying processes may be used during the commercial manufacturing process.

The smoking cessation device 101 is manufactured in such a manner that the user can bite and chew on the flavored tube. When the user bites on the end 103 of the smoking cessation device 101, it restricts the airflow through it which approximates the airflow through a cigarette. This ability makes the product more consistent with what the user's expectations are when bringing the product to their mouth.

Additionally, a filter containing a variable amount of nicotine may be added during the manufacture of the smoking cessation device 101 or may be an accessory to be added by the user. The amount of nicotine in the filters is incrementally decreased to allow the user to gradually reduce their nicotine intake. Once the user has completely stopped using nicotine, the device 101 can be used without the filter until the user's oral addiction is broken.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the following claims are desired to be protected.

All references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they supplement, explain, provide a background for or teach methodology or techniques employed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing a smoking cessation device, comprising: providing an absorbable tube; providing a flavored oil; providing a high-proof alcohol; providing a spraying device; mixing the flavored oil with the high-proof alcohol in the spraying device; spraying the flavored oil and the high-proof alcohol mixture from the spraying device onto the absorbable tube; and allowing the high-proof alcohol to evaporate from the absorbable tube.
 2. The method for producing a smoking cessation device of claim 1, wherein: the absorbable tube is the size and shape of a standard cigarette.
 3. The method for producing a smoking cessation device of claim 1, wherein: the absorbable tube is comprised of biodegradable materials.
 4. The method for producing a smoking cessation device of claim 1, wherein: the flavored oil is safe for the intended use of consumption.
 5. The method for producing a smoking cessation device of claim 1, wherein: the high-proof alcohol is at least 180 proof.
 6. A method for treating cigarette oral fixation, comprising: providing an absorbable tube; providing a flavored oil; providing a high-proof alcohol; providing a spraying device; mixing the flavored oil with the high-proof alcohol in the spraying device; spraying the flavored oil and the high-proof alcohol mixture from the spraying device onto the absorbable tube; allowing the high-proof alcohol to evaporate from the absorbable tube; placing one end of the absorbable tube in the user's mouth; and biting or chewing on one end of the absorbable tube to restrict airflow through the absorbable tube.
 7. The method for treating cigarette oral fixation of claim 6, wherein: the absorbable tube is the size and shape of a standard cigarette.
 8. The method for treating cigarette oral fixation of claim 6, wherein: the absorbable tube is comprised of biodegradable materials.
 9. The method for treating cigarette oral fixation of claim 6, wherein: the flavored oil is safe for the intended use of consumption.
 10. The method for treating cigarette oral fixation of claim 6, wherein: the high-proof alcohol is at least 180 proof.
 11. A smoking cessation device, comprising: a flavored oil; an absorbable tube wherein: the absorbable tube is the size and shape of a standard cigarette; and the absorbable tube contains the flavored oil.
 12. The smoking cessation device of claim 11, wherein: the absorbable tube is comprised of biodegradable materials.
 13. The smoking cessation device of claim 11, wherein: the flavored oil is safe for the intended use of consumption. 